Progress Journal #1

This post is to preview the format I will use to record my progress during my course with CIEE in Spain (Starting January 2026)

My primary motivation in life is to address what I believe is the world's biggest problem which is 'human behaviour'. 

This has led me to an interest in philosophy and how it helps us question the status quo, an interest in art and design and it's ability to persuade and attract without causing division, sustainability as a language for imagining a positive future and finally to education and the subtle yet foundational role it plays in shaping what pathways we recognise as being available to us.

My Limitations as a teacher

I am still relatively new to teaching, and my teaching experiences so far have not given me sufficient reference in teaching in a way that I seek to emulate.  I believe many decisions are not about good or bad but are a matter of 'priority'. My particular priority in regards to teaching emphasizes authenticity, agency, interactivity, relevance and instilling an aspiration for learning and self-improvement.

Over time I should become a better teacher but a diversity of experiences is also important to realising good strategies. A lot of my goals with teaching don't specifically target on improvement in the language skills of students but to use English knowledge or other knowledge to solve problems or connect students with a pathway to their goals.

My development as a teacher
My development as a teacher will likely mostly reference new lessons r educational resources I develop or witness.

The development of my students
Development of my students should discuss the most rewarding part of teaching which is student progress.

The potential for developing education itself
Potential for developing education might discuss the strengths and weaknesses of an education system and my ideas for potential improvements. 

Learnings outside of the school
Learnings outside of the school environment are important.  If for example, learn to recycle in school but there are few opportunities to recycle properly in public spaces or there is a poor recycling culture then there is a flaw in the overall education system as education is not something that should only be done within schools for a functioning society.
A lot of my learnings outside of the school that will be relevant for this blog will revolve primarily around:

Culture
Sustainability
Youth Empowerment